Sportshorts for Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013

BASKETBALL

Youth hoops tourney hosted by Morrison

The 2013 Morrison “Mad-House” Boys Basketball Tournament is scheduled for March 1-3 at Morrison High School and Morrison Junior High. There will be three divisions: fifth and sixth grade, seventh grade and eight grade.

Cost is $125 per team. All team members must attend or filter to the same high school. Mail entry and check to Dave Peugh, Morrison Basketball, 2251 River View Drive, Rock Falls. Make checks payable to Morrison Basketball. For more information, contact Peugh at 815-499-7009.

MLB

Sosa wants to reconnect with Cubs

Taking his image into his own hands Wednesday, Sammy Sosa said he was pleased to read that Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts told fans at last weekend’s Cubs Convention that the team soon may reach out to re-establish a relationship with the slugger.

Sosa reiterated his belief that the Cubs should retire his No. 21 and that both he and Mark McGwire should be welcomed into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

NBA

Bulls valued at $800 million

Forbes released its annual valuations of NBA franchises Wednesday, listing the Chicago Bulls third behind the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers at $800 million.

NFL

Seau family files suit against NFL

The family of Junior Seau filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the NFL on Wednesday, claiming the former linebacker’s suicide was the result of brain disease caused by violent hits he sustained while playing football.

Russell attempting comeback

JaMarcus Russell does not want to be remembered as an NFL bust.

The former top pick overall by the Oakland Raiders is determined to make sure that doesn’t happen.

At 6-foot-6, 265 pounds when he was drafted out of Louisiana State in 2007, Russell was considered the quarterback of the future for the Raiders. But his work ethic often was questioned as he compiled a 7-18 record, with 18 touchdowns and 23 passes intercepted, as the team’s starter.